There are several times, I need to grep for some_pattern in some XHTML files (many a time, file count in a specified folder goes beyond 10K+).
Previously, I have used Lugaru's Epsilon Programmer's Editor and there was grep command which invokes the search, and results a list of all matched lines in a grep-buffer. Afterwards, a user can use commands (like keep-matching-lines, delete-matching-lines, sort-lines, uniq etc.) on the grep-buffer. Since, the grep-buffer is editable, it is possible to post-process and mold the grep-result to desirable format as required.
But, that was weeks ago! This time, I have started to use Vim as my full-time editor. I am trying to quit all possible habits those are becoming obstacles to learning Vim. So, right now whenever I need to get such a search list, I am trying the same, in following way:
:cd d:\test_files\
:cex [] | vimgrep /pattern/ *.xhtml
:cope
Now, this servers my purpose well, except that the buffer remains in RO mode. So, every time it requires special post-editing process, I need to prepare a replica for the quickfix-window and then do as required. The quickfix-window is always uneditable.
Is there any way to make the quickfix-window editable? I know the result can be post-processed with some other commands in a single line, but I do need to view all the search list as whole and only then can I judge what the next steps should be.
Is there any tweak that can be applied in the vimrc? Am I missing something? Pointing out my error or any other approach to get job done, is greatly appreciated.
:set modifiable? Alternatively,:redircould help.